HERRIMAN, Utah (Friday, September 15, 2023) – Real Monarchs (8-13-5, 31 points, 11th in West) lost 3-0 against Tacoma Defiance (13-5-8, 52 points, 2nd in West) in their final home match of the season.
Looking to claim a win in their final home match of the 2023 campaign Real Monarchs threatened Tacoma’s goal with excellent play from Homegrown forwards Axel Kei and Terron Williams. In the 5th minute the Monarchs created the first significant chance of the match when Keller Storlie caught a cross inside the 18-yard-box heading it towards goal, forcing Jacob Castro to make the save. As Tacoma Defiance began to settle into the match and garner confidence when attacking the Monarchs rearguard, the Washington side began to exchange dangerous looks with their Utah foes.
In the 23rd minute Braudílio Rodriguez was able to sneak a screamer from the center of the box past outstretched and leaping RSL Academy keeper Blake Kelly to hand Tacoma the 1-0 advantage. Ten minutes later Tyrone Mondi attempted to even the scoreline when he received an excellent through ball in front of goal and had only Castro to beat, despite a well placed shot by the Monarchs veteran the attempt was saved. Real Monarchs continued to attempt an early comeback and were almost successful when 15-year-old Kei was able to find ample space in the box but his shot sailed out of touch after being deflected by Tacoma. Despite outshooting the Defiance by four in the first half, Real Monarchs were unable to even the score before entering the half down 1-0.
The second half underway Real Monarchs continued their comeback endeavor attempting to press the Defiance high up the pitch and win the ball back quickly to execute a counterattack. Although the tenacious Monarchs press was successful in creating multiple looks near goal early in the half, Tacoma would extend their lead in the 57th minute. Tacoma’s second half substitute Raul Miglietti was able to use a deceptive heel flick to tap in a cross past Kelly allowing Tacoma Defiance to take the 2-0 lead.
Tacoma Defiance continued to extend their lead late into the second half when Rodriguez found a brace in the 75th minute. Rodriguez received the ball inside the center of the 18-yard-box and took a shot with his weak foot to smash the ball directly past Kelly, resulting in a 3-0 lead for Tacoma. Although the Real Monarchs attempted to surmount a late comeback Tacoma Defiance's rearguard proved too difficult to sneak a shot past resulting in a 3-0 loss for the Monarchs.
UP NEXT: Real Monarchs head to the City of Roses to face Portland Timbers 2 at Providence Park for their final match of the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season with kickoff set for 3:00 pm M.T. The Monarchs and Timbers 2 have met twice this season with the Monarchs winning both games thus far, including a 5-1 thrashing of Portland in April.
NOTES:
- Real Monarchs close out the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season with a loss at Zions Bank Stadium. During 2023 the Monarchs garnered a meager 2W-8L-4D record when playing on their home turf
- The 3-0 defeat to the Tacoma Defiance marks the eight time this season that Real Monarchs have been defeated by a differential of three goals.
- Real Monarchs are now 1-6 when facing the Tacoma Defiance in MLS NEXT Pro competition and 8W-5L-1D all-time. The Monarchs last victory against Tacom Defiance came on August 26, 2022.
- In the final home game of the season at Zions Bank Stadium a season high in attendance was set with 2,941 fans arriving for Fan Appreciation Night.
- Real Salt Lake Academy product Luca Moisa made his first professional debut with Real Monarchs against Tacoma.
Real Monarchs (4-2-3-1): Blake Kelly; Keller Storlie, Cayne Madhlangove, Omar Alba, Gershon Henry; Dominic Berrios (Griffin Dillon 46’), Owen Anderson (Luca Moisa 72’); Jude Wellings, Tyrone Mondi, Terron Williams; Axel Kei (Kristian Kelly 72’)
Subs not used: Amferny Arias-Sinclair, Julian Vazquez, Izahi Amparo, Derrek Chan, Sean Petrie
Tacoma Defiance (3-4-3): Jacob Castro; Stuart Hawkins, Hal Uderitz, Abdoulaye Cissoko; Blake Bowen, Juan Alvarez, Snyder Burnell (Fito Ovalle 70’), Travian Sousa (Pedro Rodriguez 74’); Dylan Teves (Raul Miglietti 46’), Gorgi Minoungou (Chris Aquino 74’), Braudílio Rodriguez (Eythor Bjørgolfson 80’)
Subs not used: Wallis Lapsley, Pedro Rodriguez
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:
SLC: Gershon Henry (caution) 59’
